Dani Ceballos looked to be edging closer to a surprise move to Olympique Marseille, with both clubs reportedly reaching a preliminary agreement. The departure would leave Xabi Alonso scrambling for last-minute alternatives as the Spanish giants look to trim their squad for the 2025-26 campaign. 

The development has caught many by surprise, particularly as betting markets and new betting sites are already adjusting their odds for upcoming matches, with punters reassessing Real Madrid’s midfield depth for the season ahead. Ceballos’ potential exit represents a significant shift in the club’s transfer strategy, which had appeared largely complete following their €200m summer spending spree. 

Marseille Move to be Scrapped 

The French club has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Ceballos’ signature, with reports indicating a loan deal including a €15m obligation to buy. The 29-year-old midfielder had already given his consent to join Roberto De Zerbi’s project, viewing it as his best opportunity to secure regular playing time ahead of the 2026 World Cup. 

Ceballos fueled speculation about his departure with a cryptic Instagram post reading “Last dance” following Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Oviedo, where he appeared for just four minutes as a late substitute. The timing of the post, combined with his minimal playing time under Alonso, has created the perfect storm for his exit. 

However at the last-minute, it appears Ceballos had some doubts, and Marseille have now pulled out of the move. Now Ceballos’ spot remains in doubt, with links to former side Real Betis, but he could also stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ceballos Under Alonso: From an Option to Surplus 

The Andalusian midfielder’s stock has fallen under new manager Xabi Alonso. Having been a relatively dependable option for Carlo Ancelotti, Ceballos now finds himself sixth in the midfield pecking order behind Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Arda Guler, and the injured duo of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. 

Alonso’s tactical revolution has seen him favor a more structured approach, with Guler being repositioned to central midfield alongside the established pairing of Tchouameni and Valverde. This tactical shift has effectively pushed Ceballos to the periphery, limiting him to just four minutes across Real Madrid’s opening two La Liga fixtures. 

Despite his reduced role, Alonso remains reluctant to sanction Ceballos’ departure, particularly on loan terms. The manager has explicitly stated his preference for the midfielder to remain at the club, believing he can still contribute throughout a demanding season. However, Real Madrid’s hierarchy appears more open to the move, provided Marseille meets their €15m valuation. 

Squad Trimming Strategy Under Pressure 

Ceballos’ potential departure reflects Real Madrid’s broader squad optimization strategy for 2025-26. The club has already invested heavily in defensive reinforcements, bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, and Franco Mastantuono for a combined €167.5m. However, they have notably avoided adding midfield depth despite losing club legend Luka Modric to AC Milan. 

The strategy initially centered on maintaining squad harmony while trusting existing options. Real Madrid’s leadership had declared their transfer business complete in early August, with president Florentino Perez emphasizing stability over further acquisitions. This approach aimed to give Alonso maximum time to integrate his new signings without disrupting team chemistry. 

Yet the uncertainty of a potential Ceballos’ move has forced a reassessment. The club now faces the dilemma of scrambling to find a suitable replacement in the transfer window’s final days. 

Replacement Options and Timeline Pressures 

Should Ceballos depart, Real Madrid have identified three potential solutions. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton tops their wishlist, with Alonso reportedly impressed by the 21-year-old’s defensive capabilities and passing range. However, Palace’s €80m valuation makes this option financially challenging, even with Ceballos’ sale proceeds. 

AZ Alkmaar’s Kees Smits represents a more affordable alternative, though his attacking profile may not suit Alonso’s tactical requirements. The third option involves promoting 18-year-old academy graduate Thiago Pitarch, who impressed during preseason and recently signed an improved contract with an increased release clause. 

The timing creates additional complications, with less than a week remaining before the transfer window closes on August 31. This compressed timeframe limits Real Madrid’s negotiating power and may force them to accept their current midfield depth or overpay for a last-minute acquisition. 

The Ceballos saga epitomizes the unpredictable nature of modern transfer windows, where even the most meticulously planned strategies can unravel in the final days. For Real Madrid, the challenge lies in balancing immediate squad needs with long-term planning, all while maintaining the competitive edge that defines their pursuit of domestic and European glory.